Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 151
, currently showing 1 to 20.
General event
Southampton
Join us on an exciting cruise when Shieldhall will venture into the Medina River on the Isle of Wight! On our way down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Insignia and Seven Seas Grandeur at…
General event
Southampton
The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.
BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Weyhill
This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent flights in and out of the darkness in two enthralling flying displays.
Before the flying displays, there…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.
All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…
Childrens Events
Cowes
As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…
Arts
Basingstoke
Join us for a creative and hands-on weaving experience at Whitchurch Silk Mill! In this fun workshop, you'll learn the basics of weaving and design your very own colourful wall hanging to take home.
Using beautiful yarns and threads, you'll explore…
Carnival
Sandown
Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Family entertainment There will be a…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F…
Carnival
Ventnor
Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.
All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Set in the parkland of the National Motor Museum, the rally is open to all ages and models of Japanese cars and motorcycles and is always a highlight of the events…
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Audi on Saturday 18 July 2026.
All Audi owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds, for a superb day for enthusiasts and owners.
Special Events
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.
One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.
Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.
Heritage & History
Ventnor
Dickens House Party Weekend on the Isle of Wight Celebrate Charles Dickens at The Royal Hotel's Dickens House Party Weekend taking place from 27 February 2026 to 1 March 2026.
The weekend will celebrate Charles Dickens' works and strong ties…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.
All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…
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